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Home PC Firewall Guide

Excellent resource for reviews, along with the basics explained for good online security from tightening Windows, and Phishing to recommended routers.

The Wild West -- A personal computer connected to the Internet without a firewall can be hijacked in just a few minutes. The only way to make it 100% secure is to turn it off or disconnect it from the Internet. The real issue is how to make your computer 99.9% secure when it is connected.

* Bottom Line -- At minimum, any computer connected to the Internet needs to have all security patches installed as well as personal firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Also, take the time to Tighten Windows to make it more secure.

* Firewalls -- Before connecting a computer to the Internet, make sure that it has hardware and/or software firewalls installed. For links to and reviews of over fifty personal firewall software products, see our Firewall page. For hardware firewalls, see our Wired and Wireless router pages.

* Anti-Virus -- Use a two step defense for viruses. First, install anti-virus software on your computer; see our Anti-Virus Guide for more information. Second, use online (server side) virus and spam filters for your email through an Internet Service Provider and/or an Email Service.

* Anti-Spyware -- See our Anti-Spyware Guide for the best free and retail products as well as background articles and comparative reviews.

* More Options -- Consider an Internet Security Software Suite or Broadband Gateway (hardware with security software). These options are especially helpful if you have kids and two or more home computers.